Roy E. Nilsen

Roy Nilsen

Roy Egil Nilsen peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 2, 2019 at age 86. Roy is survived by his daughter Barbara (Rich), his son Alan (Michelle), and his daughter Linda (Mike). Roy is also survived by his six grandchildren: Kyle, Kraig, Danielle, Annika, Curtis, and Connor and six great-grandchildren: Jayelle, Jocie, Jude, Juliet, Maia, and Micah. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews and by his brothers Harry Nilsen and Lloyd Nilsen. He was preceded in death by his parents Norman and Lilly Nilsen, sister Evelyn Haug, and his beloved wife of 60 years, Margaret.

Roy was born on January 26, 1933 in Seattle, WA in the Ballard community. His parents had immigrated from Norway a few years earlier during the Depression. He was the second oldest of 4 children.

Roy was very active in sports being a star player in baseball and basketball for local teams and for Ballard High School, where he graduated in 1951. Roy served in active duty in the Coast Guard from 1951 – 1954, and later in the Coast Guard Reserve for an additional 5 years. He was stationed in Alaska and achieved the status of Damage Controlman, Second Class and received a National Defense Service Medal and a USCG Good Conduct Medal.

Roy married his sweetheart, Margaret Larsson, on his 23rd birthday in 1956. They resided in the greater Seattle area in homes that Roy had built. Roy was a master builder by trade, building beautiful custom homes for many years.

Roy enjoyed the outdoors whether it was fishing for salmon or trout, pheasant hunting, tending to his garden, or mowing his 2 acres of lawn.

Roy accepted Christ in his life at a young age and faithfully served the Lord throughout his teen and adult years. As a teen, he was active in Youth for Christ, and as an adult volunteered as a church board member and a Royal Rangers leader. His passion and love for his family and friends sprang forth in his laughter and care for those around him. He gladly served others, frequently lending a helping hand with his carpentry skills.

Throughout his life, Roy showed his love for his Lord and Savior, and especially in his last year on earth

Roy and Margaret Nilsen

while courageously battling cancer without complaint. He often prayed personally for those who prayed for him and gave care to him in the hospital, in his adult family home, and at church.

We are grateful for Roy’s 86 years on earth, and the impact he has left on our lives. We are thankful that he is now pain free and celebrating with Jesus and reunited with his wife, Margaret, and many other loved ones who have passed on before.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a donation please send an online giving gift to the 700 Club at www1.cbn.com/700club.

Important Announcement Regarding Deaths in King County

Families and their Funeral Service Providers, including Barton Family Funeral Service, are experiencing significantly delays in obtaining death certificates from King County while King County implements an electronic system called EDRS. (You may read about it HERE)

We have been using the EDRS system for several years for deaths occurring in other counties such as Snohomish County. We know the system well and are trying to help physicians and hospitals as they make the transition. Because King is such a large county, the transition is taking longer than we have experienced in the past, and unfortunately we are all experiencing considerable delays in obtaining death certificates.

County and State officials are very cooperative and are working diligently to facilitate the change. We ask for your patience and assure you that we are doing everything possible to meet your expectations.